Comparing the effects of sitting meditation and body scan on working memory in undergraduate healthcare students: a single-blind randomised trial.
Weeranan Yaemrattanakul, Kanokwan Manachamni, Jutharat Ruangrattanapong, Worawadee Supajumroon, Worravat Intarapakdee, Kanokwalin Klangkhong, Kanjanaporn Wannasangthong, Nureeda Madhay, Patchanee Kaewkeaw, Korawat Paphatarinan, Lalita Khuna
BMC Psychology June 4, 2026 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-026-04923-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 54 |
| Population | Undergraduate healthcare students aged 18-25 at a tertiary university in southern Thailand |
| Interventions | Sitting meditation Body scan |
| Duration | 4-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Body scan Sitting meditation Stress Working memory |
| Key findings | Both sitting meditation and body scan were associated with changes in working memory and mindfulness over time, but no significant between-group differences were observed in any outcome. |
Abstract
Healthcare undergraduate students often face high cognitive and emotional stress, negatively affecting their working memory and well-being. Mindfulness-based practices, such as sitting meditation and body scan, are proposed to enhance cognitive function and reduce stress in this population. This study compared the effects of brief sitting meditation and body scan on working memory, mindfulness, and stress among undergraduate healthcare students. In this assessor-blind randomised trial conducted at a tertiary university in southern Thailand, 56 healthcare undergraduates (aged 18-25) were randomised to either a sitting meditation group (n = 28) or a body scan group (n = 28). Fifty-four participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis (n = 27 per group). Participants practised their assigned mindfulness exercise via audio recordings for 10 min daily, five days a week, for four weeks. Outcomes were measured pre- and post-intervention using the Automated Operation Span Task for working memory, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale for mindfulness, and Thai Perceived Stress Scale-10 for stress. Both groups showed significant changes in working memory and mindfulness over time. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two interventions. Stress scores changed slightly over time; however, no significant difference was observed between the sitting meditation and body scan groups. Overall, no significant between-group differences were found in any outcome. Both sitting meditation and body scan were associated with changes in working memory and mindfulness over time among undergraduate healthcare students. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 25
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences October 11, 2007
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- Mindfulness Training Improves Working Memory Capacity and GRE Performance While Reducing Mind Wandering Psychological Science March 28, 2013
and 20 more in the library